NBA Finals: The Warriors won Game 2 because of DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins played a huge role in the Golden State Warriors bounce-back Game 2 against the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals

The Golden State Warriors managed to bounce back in Game 2 in order to tie the NBA Finals at one game apiece against the Toronto Raptors. A big part of the reason why was DeMarcus Cousins.

However, you can also argue that the Raptors lost Game 2.

If there was one significant difference from the Raptors’ impressive Game 1 victory to their lousy performance in Game 2, it was the fact that Pascal Siakam only scored 12 points. Similarly, Marc Gasol only scored six points.

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If the Raptors are going to upset the Warriors in Game 3, they’re going to need Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol to play better.

The Raptors managed to get off five more 3-point attempts than they got in Game 1. However, the Raptors made two more 3-pointers in Game 1 compared to Game 2. The Raptors also managed to get 17 more field goal attempts in Game 2 than in Game 1. They were getting reasonable shot attempts in Game 2; however, Raptors’ shot attempts were not falling like in Game 1.

Defensively, the Raptors were great in Game 2 and held the Warriors to 109 points as they did in Game 1. They even managed to hold Stephen Curry to only 23 points in Game 2.

However, compared to Game 1, DeMarcus Cousins was a presence in Game 2. In Game 2, Boogie reminded fans how good of a center he can be in the playoffs. When healthy, nobody can deny how good of a center Boogie can be on any team. He is arguably one of the most talented centers in the history of the NBA.

Before his injury, last season, he was putting up monster numbers and averaged 25 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists per game. Not only can Boogie score against any defender, but he can also find open teammates when he has the ball.

With Boogie being able to play 27 minutes for the Warriors, it changes the dynamics of the series and shifts it in Golden State’s favor. In Game 2, he not only diminished Marc Gasol’s effectiveness near the basket, but he scored and helped the Warriors find open teammates when Stephen Curry was struggling to score.

Boogie won the Warriors Game 2.

However, the Warriors should not get too ahead of themselves because the Raptors also have the necessary pieces to make adjustments for game three. Also, the Warriors only won by five points.

The only players with a positive +/- in Game 2 for the Raptors were Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka, and Norman Powell. The Raptors would also probably be better off starting Ibaka at the center position in Game 3.

Without KD, the Warriors still have four players that were All-Stars in the past two seasons. However, Looney will likely miss the remainder of the NBA Finals and it remains to be seen how healthy KD, Klay, and Boogie will be moving forward.

This is probably the most uncertain NBA Finals since 2016 and the championship is wide open for either team.

For both teams, winning this year is significant. A championship this season for Toronto would be the first in the franchise’s history. However, the Warriors appear to have a chip on their shoulder and seem eager to show they can win without KD.

The Warriors, without KD, are still a tall task for any team and any player.